Postgraduate Training Opportunities in Managed Care Pharmacy Presentation Developed for the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy Updated: February 2013

Learning Objectives Describe factors to consider and preparatory steps to take prior to pursuing a managed care (MC) residency program Identify key selection criteria when deciding between MC residency programs List core outcomes expected of training experiences in accredited MC residencies Discuss career opportunities available to residency trained MC pharmacists

Managed Care or Not? Managed care training, knowledge and experience is an asset to other pharmacy careers “…I absolutely believe managed care knowledge is essential for communication with patients in any setting… pharmacists are in the front-line to educate patients about [this]…” —Third-year pharmacy student

Managed Care Residency or Not? Benefits – Advancing oneself in a pharmacy niche – Staying up-to-date with new drugs and pipeline agents – Balanced exposure to operational, business and clinical aspects of pharmacy – Provides a competitive advantage in the job market – Greater potential for upward career growth and new/unique career options

Managed Care Residency or Not? Benefits – Attractive work/life balance, including travel & education – Zero to minimal dispensing role/staffing component – Develop career plan and professional vision – Expand networking opportunities to accelerate your career – Involvement in innovative medication management and other nontraditional clinical pharmacy services – Loan payment deferral may be an option during residency year

Managed Care Residency or Not? Limitations – Postpone financial rewards of a pharmacist’s salary – Limited direct face-to-face patient interactions (depending on organization), more patient-population directed interactions – Individuals unfamiliar with managed care may view the business trainings as less “clinical” – Limited availability of residency positions – Professional pharmacy experience may be limited to specific niches

Preparatory Action Steps Get involved early on – Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) school & national chapters – Pharmacy student rotations – Internships – Shadowing opportunities with practitioners Be visible – AMCP, ASHP or local residency program showcases/career fairs/career panels Utilize resources – Student-specific AMCP/ASHP web pages for related materials

Residency Selection Criteria Location Type of organization Type of pharmacy services Position description Research conducted Accreditation status Number of resident positions Preceptor credentials Past resident testimonials Hiring potential Career paths of previous residents Company benefits: insurance, salary, Professional development: professional meetings, teaching certificate Electives offered

Resources Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) – – Content: Student Center – managed care resources, Residency directory American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists (ASHP) – – Content: residency directory, accreditation standards, educational outcomes/goals/objectives, residency application, National Matching Service rules and requirements

PGY1 MC Residency Standards Joint accreditation through AMCP and ASHP Goal: manage medication use systems and support optimal medication therapy outcomes for patients with broad range of disease states Ensures program provides systematic training of residents in meeting required program goals and objectives Program accreditation is voluntary

Accredited Programs Required Outcomes Manage drug distribution process Design and implement clinical programs Ensure safety and quality of medication-use system Provide medication & practice-related information, education and/or training Collaborate with plan sponsors to design an effective benefit structure Exercise leadership and practice management skills Demonstrate project management skills

MC Residency Application Requirements Typical application documents – Curriculum vitae – Letter of intent – Letters of recommendation – Official transcript – Writing sample and/or presentation Onsite interview (preferred) versus at professional meeting Rank program through National Matching Service (for accredited programs)

Characteristics of an Ideal Applicant Demonstrated leadership Effective communication skills Strong work ethic Effective time manager Team Player/contributor Researcher Academic knowledge Professional/ Community involvement Innovator Adaptable Professional behavior Strong emotional intelligence

Career Opportunities Managed care organization (Inpatient, Outpatient, Ambulatory Care) Pharmacy benefits management, including community pharmacy Clinical pharmacy consulting Academia Pharmaceutical industry Government Medical writing/Drug information specialist Health Outcomes Research

Helpful Resources Websites: (Student Center) (Accreditation  resident information) Text: Navarro RP. Managed Care Pharmacy Practice, Second edition, Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Sudbury, MA; Articles: Pittenger AL, Starner CI, Thompson K, Gleason PP. Pharmacy student’s view of managed care pharmacy and PBMs: should there be more exposure to managed care in the pharmacy curriculum. J Manag Care Pharm.2010;16(5):

Conclusion Consider benefits and limitations of a career in managed care pharmacy prior to pursuing a residency in managed care Active participation in managed care opportunities throughout one’s pharmacy education gives applicants a competitive advantage Accredited programs assure applicants a quality year-long residency training

Thank you to AMCP member Debbie Meyer for updating this presentation for 2013.